Republished with full copyright permissions from The Boston News Tribune.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) stands as a pivotal player in the implementation of the EU’s foreign and security policy. Recently, the European Court of Auditors released a report assessing the effectiveness of its coordination efforts with EU institutions and delegations worldwide. The findings highlight a largely effective process, yet also underscore key areas in need of improvement.

Established in 2011 by the Lisbon Treaty, the EEAS shoulders the responsibility of assisting the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP). Coordination, both within its Brussels headquarters and with the extensive network of EU delegations, the European Commission, and the Council of the EU, is critical to the fulfillment of its diplomatic mandate.

The report acknowledges the EEAS’s efforts to adapt and enhance its structure in response to a comprehensive self-review conducted in 2021. While these adjustments have shown positive impacts on its coordination with the Commission and the Council, challenges persist in the realm of information management and reporting, particularly with EU delegations.

A notable concern raised in the report is the limited feedback and guidance provided by the EEAS to EU delegations regarding their planning and political reporting. The information flow often seems unidirectional, leaving EU delegations without timely input essential for effective coordination. Furthermore, IT shortcomings impede the secure exchange of information, impacting the delegation’s ability to fulfill their roles efficiently.

Moreover, the audit underscores the necessary focus on staffing challenges, particularly in light of the increasing external dimension of EU policies and the broadening role of EU delegations. These underscore the need for the EEAS to enhance its working methods and information management to adapt.

As it stands, the EEAS’s role in coordinating the EU’s external action is vital, particularly amidst ongoing global events. The report, titled “The coordination role of the European External Action Service: mostly working effectively, but some weaknesses in information management, staffing, and reporting,” offers valuable insights. It encompasses the period from September 2021 to April 2023 and provides a comprehensive analysis of the service’s performance and the areas in need of development.